More businesses are giving employees the opportunity to donate directly through their pay,
The number of employers offering payroll giving schemes has dramatically increased, new figures have shown.
Nearly two-thirds more Payroll Giving Quality Marks have been awarded this year to businesses who give their employees the opportunity to donate to charity directly through their pay.
In total, 3458 businesses received Quality Marks in 2019, up from 2100 the previous year.
The Association of Professional Fundraising Organisations (AGPO), who award the marks, said there had also been a sharp upturn in the number of employees who use payroll giving schemes.
AGPO figures showed 59% more employers were given diamond awards for high levels of staff participation than last year, meaning 30% or more of their staff were regularly using payroll giving schemes.
Panikos Efthimiou, APGO chair, said: “Payroll giving continues to demonstrate itself as a vital, robust and sustainable source of income for all charities.
“We are delighted to see this positive increase in Quality Marks, and especially those aspiring to reach diamond level as that means more than 30% of all employees are giving regularly to their favourite causes.
“We look forward to seeing lots of new companies joining us at the National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards this year.”
Third sector organisations have welcomed the upturn.
Jennifer Healy, chief talent officer at Mindshare UK said: “Mindshare is delighted to offer payroll giving to its employees, enabling them to support their chosen charities directly through their pay, tax efficiently. Receiving the Diamond Quality Mark highlights the high percentage of employees who want to make a difference.”
Andrew Simmonds, chair of trustees at Together For Animals said: “Payroll giving provides Together For Animals with a vital regular source of income, allowing us to provide lifesaving care for animals desperately in need.
“As a small charity we see payroll giving as our key source of income. It is great to see the increase in Quality Marks and therefore the increase in both employers and employees supporting payroll giving, which supports us and so many charities each year.”
